Thursday Evenings at All Hallows (May 21, 2026)
In this Thursday evening’s message, we unpack Matthew 28:16-20 and what it means for modern-day Christians.
GATHER IN GOD’S NAME
Open this link in a new tab to hear Chris Peck’s handbell arrangement of Prelude Franck from César Franck’s Pieces D'Orgue - Op. 18.
Silence
Go and make disciples of all peoples. Matthew 28: 19
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and
just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9
[Let us now confess our sins to almighty God.]
Silence
Almighty and most merciful Father,
we have strayed from your ways like lost sheep.
We have followed too much
the devices and the desires of our own hearts.
we have offended against your holy laws,
we have left undone what we ought to have done,
and we have done what we ought not to have done.
Yet, good Lord, have mercy on us;
restore those who are penitent,
according to your promises declared
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant, most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may live a godly, righteous, and sober lives,
to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Merciful Lord,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open our lips, O Lord;
And we shall declare your praise.
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory to God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
Let us praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.
Open this link in anew tab to hear Carl P. Daw Jr.’s “O Light Whose Splendor Thrills and Gladdens” (Phos hilaron).
1 O Light whose splendor thrills and gladdens
with radiance brighter than the sun,
pure gleam of God's unending glory,
O Jesus, blest Anointed One;
2 as twilight hovers near at sunset,
and lamps are lit, and children nod,
in evening hymns we lift our voices
to Father, Spirit, Son: one God.
3 In all life's brilliant, timeless moments,
let faithful voices sing your praise,
O Son of God, our Life-bestower,
whose glory lightens endless days.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Christopher Walker’s “The Lord Is My Light” (Psalm 27).
1 The Lord is my light, my help, my salvation.
Why should I fear?
With God I fear no one.
God protects me all my life.
With the Lord what should I dread?
The Lord is my light,
the Lord is my help,
the Lord is my salvation.
2 There is one thing I ask of the Lord that I long for:
all of my days with God to be dwelling,
gazing with awe at the beauty of God,
and in wonder look on God's house.
The Lord is my light,
the Lord is my help,
the Lord is my salvation.
3 I know I will live to see the Lord’s goodness,
now, in this life I'm sure I will see it.
Trust in the Lord, be strong and be brave;
wait in hope for God, our salvation.
The Lord is my light,
the Lord is my help,
the Lord is my salvation.
Silence
O God, our defender,
give us the light of truth and wisdom
that all our hope may be fixed on you,
and on your Son, Jesus the Christ.
Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew
Matthew 28: 1-10; 16-20
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
Silence
The Great Commission
In this Thursday evening’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel, the risen Jesus directs his remaining eleven disciples to meet him on a mountain in Galilee. When the disciples see their risen Lord, they had mixed reactions. “Some doubted.”
Matthew does not offer any explanation for their doubting. They apparently did not believe that it was really Jesus.
In coming to his disciples, Matthew’s narrative does suggest that Jesus sensed their hesitancy. He did not wait for them to come to him. He came to them.
His first words may have meant to reassure them. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” But one thing for certain, it gives weight to what Matthew tells us Jesus said next.
Jesus gave the disciples these instructions—
They are to leave the mountain. They are not to hang about worshiping him. Or, assuming that the mountain was the one from which Jesus ascended into heaven, gazing wistfully at the sky. (Matthew makes no mention of the ascension in his narrative.)
They are to make disciples of “all nations.” By “nations” Jesus was not talking about countries, what the Cambridge Dictionary defines as areas of land with fixed borders that have full or limited control over their own government and laws, or the people who live there. Rather he was talking about all the people groups that form the human population of this planet—those which divide humanity by race, ethnicity, language, and culture. Jesus was talking about all humankind. Jesus was giving them a monumental task that they would not be able to complete in their lifetimes.
Jesus clearly expected succeeding generations of disciples to carry on this task after the eleven disciples had departed this life. This was the understanding of the New Testament church as may be gathered from the testimony of the New Testament writers. It is what Jesus expects of all who call him Lord in our time, those who are Christians not just in name but also faith and practice.
Jesus instructed his disciples to baptize new disciples “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus further instructed his disciples to teach new disciples everything that he had told them to do. Since he was telling them to make, baptize, and teach new disciples, he was telling them to teach new disciples these commands too, further evidence that what he was commissioning his disciples to do, he expected succeeding generations of disciples to do also.
They were to teach new disciples not only to put into practice what Jesus commanded but to also to hold fast to what he commanded and to safeguard it, to keep it free from corruption and wrongful use. Or worse, from being forgotten or ignored.
New Testament scholars call this commissioning of Jesus’ eleven disciples and succeeding generations of disciples the “Great Commission.”
With the instructions Jesus gave to the eleven disciples, Jesus made a promise. He assured them that he would be with them always. He would continue with them until the end of time. This promise was meant not only for them but also for every succeeding generation of his disciples.
The instructions Jesus gave to his first disciples were intended not just for the leaders and missionaries of today’s Church, but for all who name themselves Christians, believe in Jesus for their salvation, and seek to faithfully follow Jesus as their Lord. They form the shape of the mission of the individual Christian as well that of the Church.
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus keeps his promise to be with his disciples always. The Holy Spirit not only empowers them to carry out the mission that Jesus has entrusted to them but also unites them to Jesus and to each other and binds them together into a single body, the Body of Christ, of which Jesus is the head, and they are the different parts.
Based upon the writings of the New Testament and the various accounts of their lives that have been handed to us, the early Christians took the Great Commission with all the seriousness that it is due. Thomas who initially doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he had seen and touched the risen Jesus’ wounds, traveled to India, following the trade routes that linked that subcontinent to the ancient Mid-East. There he made disciples, planted churches, and suffered a martyr’s death for his unflinching faith. The Mar Thomas Syriac Church traces its origin to a community of Christians traditionally believed to have been founded by Thomas in the first century.
Christians whose names are lost to posterity brought their faith with them to the British Isles from North Africa and Spain which had trade routes linking them to the British Isles. It is believed a small Christian community existed in Britain by the second century. The presence of three British bishops at the Council of Arles in the early fourth century suggests that by that time the British Christian community had grown significantly, was more organized, and had its own bishops.
By the early seventh century, Christianity, Jingjiao, “the luminous religion,” had reached China, brought by Alopen, a Syriac missionary from Persia, modern-day Iran. The Chinese Christian community flourished during the Tang dynasty but was heavily persecuted after that dynasty’s collapse. It did not disappear altogether and would experience a resurgence in the thirteenth century and later. Despite the restriction of its Communist government, China has a growing Christian community today.
Over the centuries faithful Christians have taken the Great Commission to heart and shared their faith with others, telling them about Jesus and extending his invitation to follow him. They have met with new believers to encourage them as well as to teach them. They have baptized them and continued to encourage and teach them. They have done their part to fulfill their Lord’s commands.
While Jesus calls some of his followers to serve him on a distant mission field, in another community, neighborhood or district; in another province, state, or territory; or in another part of the world, he expects all his followers to do what he commanded where they live and work or go to school. Indeed, when new Christians makes a profession of faith and dedicate their lives to Jesus at baptism or confirmation, they are committing themselves to doing that. It is a lifelong commitment.
Silence
Opens this link in a new tab to hear Carl P. Daw, Jr.’s paraphrase of the Magnificat, “My Soul Proclaims with Wonder.”
My soul proclaims with wonder
the greatness of the Lord;
rejoicing in God's goodness,
my spirit is restored.
1 To me God has shown favor,
to one the world though frail;
and every age will echo
the angel's first "All hail."
My soul proclaims with wonder
the greatness of the Lord;
rejoicing in God's goodness,
my spirit is restored.
2 God's mercy shields the faithful
and saves them from defeat
with strength that turns to scatter
the proud in their conceit.
My soul proclaims with wonder
the greatness of the Lord;
rejoicing in God's goodness,
my spirit is restored.
3 The mighty have been vanquished;
the lowly lifted up.
The hungry find abundance;
the rich, an empty cup.
My soul proclaims with wonder
the greatness of the Lord;
rejoicing in God's goodness,
my spirit is restored.
4 To Abraham's descendants
the Lord will steadfast prove,
for God has made with Israel
a covenant of love.
My soul proclaims with wonder
the greatness of the Lord;
rejoicing in God's goodness,
my spirit is restored.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father
almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Lord, show us your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Clothe your ministers with righteousness,
and make your chosen people joyful.
Lord, save your people,
and bless your inheritance.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
for you are our help and strength.
Create in us dean hearts, O God,
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.
O God the King of Glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
Mercifully give us faith to know
that, as he promised,
he abides with us on earth to the end of time;
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Eternal God, from whom all holy desires, all good purposes,
and all just works proceed: give to your servants that peace
which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to
obey your commandments, and that free from the fear of our
enemies we may pass our time in trust and quietness;
through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.
Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great
mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear James Edward Seddon’s “Church of God, Elect and Glorious.”
1 Church of God, elect and glorious,
holy nation, chosen race;
called as God's own special people,
royal priests and heirs of grace:
know the purpose of your calling,
show to all his mighty deeds;
tell of love which knows no limits,
grace which meets all human needs.
2 God has called you out of darkness
into his most marvellous light;
brought his truth to life within you,
turned your blindness into sight.
Let your light so shine around you
that God's name is glorified;
and all find fresh hope and purpose
in Christ Jesus crucified.
3 Once you were an alien people,
strangers to God's heart of love;
but he brought you home in mercy,
citizens of heaven above.
Let his love flow out to others,
let them feel a Father's care;
that they too may know his welcome
and his countless blessings share.
4 Church of God, elect and holy,
be the people he intends;
strong in faith and swift to answer
each command your master sends:
royal priests, fulfil your calling
through your sacrifice and prayer;
give your lives in joyful service
sing his praise, his love declare.
Silence is kept.
Those present may offer their own prayers and thanksgivings, either silently or aloud.
Gracious God,
you have given us much today;
grant us also a thankful spirit.
Into your hands we commend ourselves
and those we love.
Be with us still, and when we take our rest
renew us for the service of your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen.
In darkness and in light,
in trouble and in joy,
help us, heavenly Father,
to trust your love,
to serve your purpose,
and to praise your name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Open this link in a new tab to hear James Edward Seddon’s “Go Forth and Tell.”
1 Go forth and tell! O church of God, awake!
God's saving news to all the nations take;
proclaim Christ Jesus, saviour, Lord, and king,
that all the world his worthy praise may sing.
2 Go forth and tell! God's love embraces all;
he will in grace respond to all who call:
how shall they call if they have never heard
the gracious invitation of his word?
3 Go forth and tell where still the darkness lies;
in wealth or want, the sinner surely dies:
give us, O Lord, concern of heart and mind,
a love like yours which cares for all mankind.
4 Go forth and tell! The doors are open wide:
share God's good gifts let no one be denied;
live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose,
your ransomed powers for his sole glory use.
5 Go forth and tell! O church of God, arise!
go in the strength which Christ your Lord supplies;
go till all nations his great name adore
and serve him, Lord and king for evermore
THE SENDING FORTH OF GOD’S PEOPLE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Open this link in a new tab to hear Lowell Mason’s arrangement of “And the Grace of God” (based on 2 Corinthians 13:14).
And the grace of God, our Father,
and the love of Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit’s union be with us forevermore.
And the grace of God, our Father,
and the love of Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Spirit’s union be with us forevermore.
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